Process Technician

Process Technician (SEM / FIB / TEM)

Location: Albany, NY
Pay Rate: $29/hour
Schedule: 12-hour compressed work week (day or night shift)
Employment Type: Long-term temporary assignment with potential for temp-to-hire

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Process Technician to support advanced semiconductor analysis using SEM, FIB, TEM, and related techniques. This role focuses on sample preparation, imaging, compositional analysis, and close collaboration with Process Engineering teams. Candidates with hands-on tool experience will thrive in this fast-paced, cleanroom environment.

Experience takes priority over formal education. Candidates with semiconductor industry experience are preferred, though transferable experience from biological or medical industries will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

(Specific responsibilities may vary depending on SEM or FIB/TEM focus)

• Collect, prepare, image, and document nanostructures related to semiconductor devices

• Manage sample queues and analysis instructions from Process Engineering staff

• Perform precise sample preparation using hand cleave, micro-cleaver, and tweezers

• Conduct imaging and analysis using:

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

  • Focused Ion Beam (FIB)

  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

  • Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)

• Collect compositional data using EDX and, where applicable, EELS

• Communicate imaging and analysis results clearly to Engineering teams

• Develop and optimize sample preparation and analysis techniques

• Train new users on preparation and analysis equipment

• Maintain training and certification documentation

• Actively contribute to continuous improvement of lab and tool operations

• Support FAB operations as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Science or equivalent hands-on experience

• Proven hands-on experience with one or more of the following:

  • SEM / EDX

  • FIB

  • TEM / STEM

• Strong manual dexterity and comfort handling samples smaller than 5mm using tweezers

• Experience working with high-powered electron microscopes is highly beneficial

• Ability to work independently in a cleanroom environment

• Unrestricted right to work in the United States

Preferred Experience

• Semiconductor industry experience strongly preferred

• Cross-tool experience (SEM/EDX and FIB/TEM/STEM)

• Hitachi SEM experience

• Hitachi or ThermoFisher non-automated FIB experience

• ThermoFisher TEM experience

• Failure Analysis or Metrology experience

• CAD layout experience (helpful for Failure Analysis or SEM/EDX roles)

• Completion of semiconductor or microchip manufacturing coursework, certification, or training programs

Interview Question to Expect:

• Approximately how many hours have you worked directly on SEM, FIB, or TEM tools?

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Frequent preparation and handling of very small samples (<5mm) under a microscope

• Regular use of PPE, including safety glasses, safety shoes, bump cap, and cleanroom garments

• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs

• Job duties may require bending, stooping, climbing, crawling, and working in confined spaces

• Work performed in a cleanroom environment and near high-voltage equipment, chemicals, radiation, and moving mechanical parts

• Strong visual acuity required (close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment)

• Ability to walk 10,000+ steps per shift and climb multiple flights of stairs during 12-hour shifts

• Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends, and compressed schedules

• Occasional overnight travel to factories, training facilities, or customer sites may be required